The 26th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) hosted by the University of Lagos ended on Saturday, March 26, 2022 amidst pump and ceremonies.
The weeklong universities’ sports fiesta saw the University of Port Harcourt leading the medals table for the fourth time in a row having garnered 120 medals, the host, University of Lagos emerged as first runner-up with 86 medals while Nile University, Abuja emerged second runner-up with 38 medals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony which held at the UNILAG Sports Complex, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, attributed the success stories recorded at the 26th NUGA games to the rare courage, competence, integrity, commitment, love and diligence on the path of all stakeholders.
While appreciating all University Staff Unions for their cooperation before and all through the NUGA events, Prof. Ogundipe who was flanked by other senior management staff alongside members of the Local Organising Committee led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, took time to celebrate all universities which participated in the 26th NUGA games for their spirit of sportsmanship and sterling performances.
The Vice-Chancellor was also full of gratitude to the #NUGAUNILAG2022 Project Lead, Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe, all sponsors and supporters of the #NUGAUNILAG2022 games particularly State Governors who are alumni of the University of Lagos, corporate organizations, staff, students and volunteers.
Highpoint of the event which was graced by immediate past Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega among several other dignitaries included the formal presentation of the four new trophies donated to NUGA by the University of Lagos to the winners, they are the University of Port Harcourt being the overall winner, the University of Lagos as the first runner-up and the Nile University as the second runner-up in the 2022 NUGA games. The fourth trophy went to Benson Idahosa University as the best-behaved university in the 26th NUGA games.
Prof. Ogundipe also performed the turning off of the NUGA games torch to officially end the 26th NUGA games while the NUGA flag was lowered and officially handed over to the University of Jos being the host of the 27th NUGA Games scheduled for 2024.
The #NUGAUNILAG2022 closing ceremony later transited into a festival of colours via fireworks, calisthenics displays courtesy of pupils of UNILAG Staff school and UNILAG students as well as musical performances by hip-hop artistes among whom were Bella Shmurda, Jaywon and Small Doctor.
The #NUGAUNILAG2022 kicked off on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 with the arrival and accreditation of participating universities while a colourful opening ceremony held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 where the Speaker, House of Representatives and UNILAG alumus, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila lit the main NUGA Torch to officially kick-off the games.
